Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, accompanied by MoS Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, and senior officials, held a press briefing today at Udaan Bhawan to provide a detailed update on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating from Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick), crashed within one minute of take-off on June 12, claiming the lives of 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including many young medical students from Meghani Nagar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site and the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital soon after the incident, reviewing relief efforts and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The Civil Aviation Minister also met grieving families, healthcare workers, and emergency responders, expressing deep sorrow and personal empathy, acknowledging the profound national loss.
In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation immediately activated a 24×7 Control Room involving officials from DGCA, AAI, BCAS, and CISF, along with a media control unit at the National Media Centre. Emergency helplines were established for passenger families both in India and the UK, including a dedicated support cell in Gatwick for British nationals.
The government has directed Air India to provide full support to affected families, including ex gratia compensation, logistical help, and documentation assistance. Senior Air India officials have been deployed to assist next of kin and coordinate hospital care for the injured.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) initiated a formal investigation on the day of the crash. A five-member team, later joined by forensic and medical experts, began on-site analysis. A major breakthrough came with the recovery of the black box on June 13, which is now being decoded for critical data.
To ensure a comprehensive review, a High-Level Committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, has been formed. It includes officials from MoCA, MHA, the Gujarat Government, DGCA, BCAS, the Indian Air Force, Intelligence Bureau, and disaster response authorities. The committee will investigate technical, regulatory, and institutional lapses, and submit its findings within three months, including long-term aviation safety reforms.
In parallel, DGCA has ordered urgent inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners fitted with Genx engines in India. Out of 33 aircraft in service, 8 have already been checked, and the rest are under inspection. Surveillance of airworthiness and maintenance protocols across all wide-body aircraft has also been intensified.
Reassuring the public, the Minister emphasized that India’s aviation safety standards remain globally recognized, with ICAO ratings affirming regulatory strength. He urged the media to avoid speculation and assured that all official findings will be released transparently.
The AI171 crash has prompted an urgent re-evaluation of India’s aviation systems. The government has reiterated its full commitment to passenger safety, robust investigation, and ensuring justice and support for the victims and their families.
